Sound: The Matches are a pop-punk band, which appears to be an executionable crime at the moment. However, they're a pop-punk band with an edge. Think Sugarcult meets AFI. The Matches are slightly darker, heavier and more intelligent than their competition, which can only be a good thing. The album impressed Epitah; who mixed the album a year after its original release. This has given the album a more polished sound, without compromising the genuinely heavier moments of the album. The album includes 2 acoustic songs to add some variation to the sound. However, most of the music tends to be punk-rock orientated, with hints of pop and emo. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are decent, but there's nothing on this album that hasn't already been sang about. Topics include: suicide (Sick Little Suicide), broken homes (Jack Slap Cheer) and of course girls (Chain Me Free, Eryn Smith and Dog Eared Page). Lyrically, the best songs are: Sick Little Suicide, The Restless and Say 18. However, the singing on this album is stunning. Shawn Harris is a talented vocalist/guitarist, and decent back up is provided by Jon Devoto(guitar and backing vox). The melodies are definately catchy, and after a few listens, many of them will be stuck in your head. // 8
Impression: I saw The Matches support Reel Big Fish, and was compelled to buy the album. I don't regret doing so. The album doesn't tread much new ground in the pop-punk genre, but it's a satisfying listen. There are some sweet guitar solos and lead breaks to appreciate and the musicianship is relatively high. However, it's the songs as a whole that impress me the most. Highlights of the album include: Sick Little Suicide(The heaviest moment on the album, think Lostprohphets), Jack Slap Cheer, Chain Me Free, Dog-Eared Page and Borderline Creep. I am very impressed with this album and I hope that The Matches can keep raising their standards with their future releases. Very good album. // 8
